Holiday ice rinks 2023: Here are the best places to ice skate in metro Phoenix
One of the last things you might expect to be able to do in the desert is enjoy the winter tradition of outdoor ice skating. Thankfully, even in Arizona, you can participate in the holiday fun on either real or synthetic ice.
Get ready to lace up your skates because these ice skating rinks are opening up for the 2023 holiday season throughout metro Phoenix. Whether you're a new or experienced skater, these rinks are for all ages and skill levels.
If you're looking to live out your Hallmark Christmas movie dreams this year, here's where to find pop-up ice skating rinks in Scottsdale, Mesa and Glendale.
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink in Mesa
Boasting 6,000 square feet of real ice, the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink will open up Friday, Nov. 24, at the Plaza at the Mesa City Center.
Admission includes one hour on the ice and your skate rental; there's no discount if you bring your own skates. You can register at merrymainst.com to pay in advance for a specific 60-minute session. A limited number of walk-up registrations will be accommodated per session.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, noon-10 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, Dec. 8-Jan 1. Winter Wonderland Ice Rink at City Plaza at Mesa City Center, 56 E. Main St., Mesa. $10 for one hour; includes skate rental. merrymainst.com.
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Desert Ice Skating Rink at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
What's better than experiencing a winter wonderland of holiday lights surrounded by the Sonoran Desert while skating with family and friends?
Admission includes one hour of skating on the Desert Ice Rink and the Alpine Skate Trail. The Desert Ice Rink encompasses 6,000 square feet of real ice and the Alpine Skate Trail winds through the heart of the property.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 4-11 p.m. Fridays-Sundays, Nov. 17-Jan 6. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive. Admission is $45; parking is an extra $35. scottsdaleprincess.com.
Skating Rink at Lights at the Farm in Mesa
If you're looking for a skating option that's a little less icy, the outdoor synthetic skating surface at the Lights at the Farm in Mesa may be for you.
With 4,000 square feet of synthetic panels, this rink provides skaters of all ages and experience levels a fun activity under a starry sky.
Visitors will need to purchase an entry ticket and add on skating for $8 per person.
Details: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 5:30-10:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, Dec. 1-30. Lights at the Farm, 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa. Admission is $15 Sundays-Thursdays and $18 Fridays-Saturdays. Skating is an additional $8. lightsatthefarm.com.
Skate Westgate in Glendale
Skate Westgate is back for 2023 at the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale. All skill levels are welcome, and tickets can be purchased near the rink in Fountain Park.
Admission with skate rental for adults and children is $22, $18 if you bring your own skates. Toddlers with shoe sizes between 9T and 12T can skate for $18. Military members with ID can skate for $18 with skate rental.
Details: 4-9:45 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-10:45 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-9:45 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 16. Westgate Entertainment District, 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale. $18-$22. westgateaz.com.
Meredith G. White is the entertainment reporter for The Arizona Republic | azcentral.com. You can find her on Facebook as Meredith G. White, on Instagram and Twitter as @meredithgwhite, and email her at meredith.white@arizonarepublic.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Holiday ice skating rinks 2023: Skating in Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale
